An upmarket Merseyside restaurant run by well known chef Gary Usher has been given a one star food hygiene rating, the second-worst rating possible.
Burnt Truffle, on Telegraph Road in Heswall , Wirral , received the low score due to its management of food safety and handling, after being visited by Wirral Council food hygiene inspectors in November.
Mr Usher has insisted the low mark is based on 'minor discrepancies' stemming from bookkeeping.
The restaurant, which describes itself as a modern bistro serving the “highest quality ingredients possible”, was told it needs to make major improvements to ensure its food is safe to eat.
Improvements were also required in the area of food handling, which includes preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.
Mr Usher has become well known for his Elite Bistros group of restaurants - including venues in Liverpool, Manchester, Prescot and Chester.
He is also known for his outspoken and colourful approach on social media - including some feisty interactions with customers.
Mr Usher said: “All of my restaurants that have been inspected sit at five out of five stars. Ultimately the score we received at Burnt Truffle was due to lack of procedural documentation.
“Although we work in a safe way at Burnt Truffle the book in which our food safety systems are outlined was not completed.
“Working with the Environmental Health Office, this discrepancy and other minor discrepancies stated in the report have been fully addressed.
“We have applied for a revisit, which has been granted, and we are expecting an unannounced visit in the coming months.”
The restaurant was awarded a double rosette by the AA restaurant inspectors last year to commend its high level of consistency, precision and use of high-quality ingredients.
Mr Usher himself was nominated for the title of Chef of the Year 2018 in the Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards.
The full environmental health report is not yet available, but the ECHO will report the full details of the inspection as soon as the report can be accessed.
